DR Congo Asks FIFA for World Cup Ticket Refunds After Ebola Travel Ban Blocks Fans from Attending

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made a formal request to FIFA for a full refund of World Cup tickets purchased by fans who are now unable to travel to the United States. The travel ban is a direct result of a public health emergency declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 16 May 2026, due to an Ebola outbreak. The U.S. has barred entry from non-Americans who have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days.

This situation is a tragic irony for the Congolese team, the Leopards, who are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Now, their own fans are being prevented from witnessing this historic moment due to a health crisis in their own country. The DRC Football Federation president, Veron Mosengo-Omba, has made an impassioned plea to FIFA, stating, “We don’t want our supporters who love football, who love the World Cup, to lose everything”.

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How Nigeria Fits In

While Nigeria is not the subject of this particular article, the mention of the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup has significant implications for the Super Eagles. The expanded tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, now features 48 teams, up from 32. This expansion includes 10 slots for African nations, a major increase from the five spots available in previous tournaments.

In theory, this should make qualification more accessible for a football powerhouse like Nigeria. However, the reality is that the Super Eagles are currently struggling in their qualification campaign. As of now, Nigeria sits in third place in their CAF Group C, a precarious position for a team of its stature.

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